Using+Quotations

=Using Quotations=

This mini-lesson will cover how to properly use quotations in your work.

Quotations from outside sources are useful because they can provide evidence to support or prove your ideas. They only work effectively, though, when properly integrated into your own writing. Here's an example of what //NOT// to do: There are two problems with the way the quotation above is used: A quotation used in this way is sometimes known as a "floating quote." The problem with floating quotes is that they're ineffective -- they just float aimlessly in the middle of a paragraph, unattached to the author's own words or explanation for the reader.
 * The Bill of Rights is an important document that guarantees the freedoms granted to us as American citizens. "The Conventions of a number of the States...expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of [the Constitution's] powers." ||
 * 1) The quotation needs to be ** introduced .** The author doesn't explain what document it comes from or who wrote it.
 * 2) The quotation needs to be ** explained .** The author hasn't used any of her own words to tell how the quotation supports the ideas in her writing.

Here's a revised version of our sample: This version correctly **introduces ** the quotation ("As stated in the document's Preamble") and **explains ** its significance ("This quote shows..."). A good rule of thumb is to have two sentences of explanation (also known as commentary) for every quotation (one type of concrete detail).
 * The Bill of Rights is an important document that guarantees the freedoms granted to us as American citizens. As stated in the document's Preamble , "the Conventions of a number of the States...expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of [the Constitution's] powers." This quote shows the intent of our founding fathers to limit government in order to prevent tyrrany . ||

So, to review, using a quotation is a three-step process: >
 * 1) **Introduce **the quote you plan to use. Explain its context, and attach it to your own words (e.g. "According to...")
 * 2) Provide the quotation itself, including a properly-formatted citation if necessary.
 * 3) ** Explain **the quote's relevance to your ideas. How does it help illustrate the point you're trying to prove?